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Pac-12 affirms USC’s disciplinary actions for Metu

SAN FRANCISCO – The Pac-12 Conference has reviewed and accepted the disciplinary actions taken by USC regarding men’s basketball student-athlete Chimezie Metu, Commissioner Larry Scott announced today. The University has suspended Metu for a half-game and removed him from team captaincy as a result of unsportsmanlike conduct during Sunday’s game versus Washington State. With 5:43 remaining the first half, Metu was assessed a flagrant 2 personal foul and immediately ejected.

Metu will be suspended during the first half of the Trojans’ upcoming contest at California on Thursday, Jan. 4.

In a letter, Metu apologized to Carter Skaggs, WSU coach Ernie Kent and the Cougar basketball family, as well as to his USC teammates and fans and his family. He acknowledged his inappropriate action, saying “a lack of judgment for a split second led to an action that I immediately regretted and had no business committing in the first place. I understand there is no place in the game of basketball for such an unsportsmanlike action.”

He also wrote that he is “prepared to take any necessary steps to ensure that I am not involved in such an incident moving forward.”

“We commend USC and its leadership for taking swift action in response to this incident,” said Scott. “The Pac-12 strongly emphasizes positive sporting behavior and integrity in all its athletic competitions and expects high standards of sportsmanship from all participants. Mr. Metu’s action toward a fellow student-athlete is unacceptable and the Conference supports USC’s disciplinary measures. The Conference will take no further disciplinary action.”